Where to get it

2011 · Swing Swing Submarine · Indie · Platformer

Blocks That Matter

Xbox console exclusive

When indie game developers Alexey and Markus are in trouble, their only hope comes from their creation.

Released: 19 August 2011
Platforms: Linux Windows Xbox 360 macOS
Genres: Indie Platformer Puzzle
Developers: Swing Swing Submarine
Publishers: Swing Swing Submarine
Modes: Single-player
Perspective: Side view
Themes: Action Comedy
Country: France
Age ratings: ESRB E
Languages: English, French
Time to beat: 5.5hmain story19hwith extras22hcompletionist

About

Blocks That Matter is a 2D puzzle-platform game developed by French independent studio Swing Swing Submarine. It was released on August 19, 2011 for Windows, Mac, Linux and Xbox 360. The game was inspired by one of the developer's earlier works, Tuper Tario Tros.

Players say

Media

The articlegameplay, story, development, reception

Gameplay

The player takes the role of "Tetrobot", a robot which is able to collect blocks by hitting them from under (Mario reference) or drilling them, and can then construct shapes in a "puzzle mode" using four blocks at a time. Blocks That Matter heavily references the games Minecraft and Tetris through the main characters, in-game mechanics and concepts such as "Pajitnovian physics".

The game's name comes from special blocks hidden in the story mode levels. They are unusable blocks that initially appear in levels as treasure chests, which serve no purpose other than to unlock bonus levels. The blocks are direct references to famous blocks in games that inspired the developers, such as a ?-block from Super Mario Bros., an Aperture Science Weighted Companion Cube from Portal, Rubik's Cube, and a die, hence the "blocks that matter".

Reception

Blocks That Matter received generally favourable reviews, with an aggregated score of 76 on Metacritic. Blocks That Matter was the Dream Build Play 2011 Challenge "Grand Prize" Winner, earning $40,000 and the opportunity for an XBLA publishing contract.